Teen ace Fraser puts adults in a spin

6:00am Wednesday 19th September 2012 in

Fraser Gordon, front

HE MAY still be years away from taking his first GCSE exam but Marlborough youngster Fraser Gordon proved he can mix it with the big boys this season after he finished as the leading wicket-taker
in the whole of the West of England Premier League.

The 14-year-old took 36 wickets for Marlborough 2nd in the Wiltshire Division 2nd XI division, with his best figures coming against Marshfield on September 1, when he claimed five wickets for just
18 runs.

The teenager, who came through Marlborough’s youth system and has also represented the county at youth level since the age of 10, says that he has no qualms over facing off against adult players
and that he has never witnessed any sour grapes from any batsman that fell victim to his spin bowling.

“I got called up to the second team towards the end of last season and I’d been playing for the thirds since I was 11,” said the youngster, who is a student at St Joseph’s Catholic College,
Swindon.

“People are always going to get runs off me because I’m so small.

“They try to hit me because they just see a boy bowling against them but in the end, I usually get them out.

“I’ve never had anyone be horrible to me about it and they usually just say ‘well bowled’, which is nice.

“I’m really happy with this season and I never really took notice at how many wickets I’d taken until someone else at the club did towards the end.”

Gordon took four wickets five times during the season, took five wickets once and also had a hat-trick.

WEPL vice-chairman Peter Mathias, who featured alongside the youngster eight times for Marlborough 2nd this season, added: “It’s a staggering achievement, especially when you remember that he was
13 for most of the season.

“He’s level-headed, he listens, and he’s got a very bright future ahead of him.”

Gordon’s older brother Cameron, 16, plays for Marlborough’s first XI and has recently begun a sports scholarship for cricket at Marlborough College.

“They’re both doing really well and I don’t know where they get it from because I’m rubbish,” said dad Eddie, who also has a daughter, Amy, 11.

“Fraser has done really well this season and I’m really proud of him.”

Marlborough chairman of selectors Norman Mussell added: “Everyone at the club is delighted and proud of what Fraser has achieved this season and were looking forward to him continuing his success
next year.

“Fraser has come through our youth system and great credit must be given to all the coaches at Marlborough who have helped him achieve his success as well as his father who has been a constant
support.’’